So, you think you've found the perfect job—your experience and level of expertise line up perfectly. Both you and a sea of others feel the same way! Your (hopefully) future employer will likely have a hefty number of applications to go through. You're about to hit "Submit" on the application. Not so fast! Here are some tips for making your job application stand out.
Jazz It Up and Add Some Personality
According to Indeed, most hiring managers only look at resumes for six to ten seconds. So, let's make sure yours has a special touch that gets an added glance! Most resumés will look the same; white paper, black text, and a standard, easy-to-read font. Make sure your application stands out among the crowd by adding a touch of color or a unique layout.
Mention Specific Examples of Relevant Work You Did – Include Numbers, too!
By naming specific examples of work you did and including numbers to back it up, you make yourself more credible and prove that you made a difference in your role. Additionally, hiring managers would like to see that you went the extra mile to dig up the facts behind the relevant work you did.
Include Some Keywords from the Job Posting on Your Application in Your Resume and/or Cover Letter
Nowadays, many organizations use an Application Tracking System. This technology electronically sifts through the many job applications to identify if keywords from the job posting were used on any applications. When the Application Tracking System has found that you've used language and terms that match the posting, you are one hopeful step closer to getting your resumé into the hands of the hiring manager. So, identify the main keywords included on the posting, and be sure to add them to your resume and cover letter.
Don't Underestimate the Power of a Cover Letter
Speaking of cover letters, you may think to yourself, "Why do they need to see a cover letter when I submit my resumé? Doesn't my resumé give them enough information about me?" A cover letter will provide support to your application by allowing you to tell the story of how your experience aligns with the job. The hiring manager will also learn a little more about your personality (or lack thereof) by the way you write your cover letter.
Use Connections
In today's job market, it's all about who you know. Does your mom's friend's sister's brother-in-law work at the organization for which you're applying? Take advantage of that! Whether they can put in a good word for you or connect you with someone to talk to, your name will stick out as familiar to the hiring manager as they go through the many applicants and further your chances of landing the gig!
Be Intentional with Follow-Up
Hiring managers love to see when an applicant cares. Don't be afraid to call and ask for the status of your application. Whether they let you know they like your application and will be in touch or that you don't quite meet the qualifications, this will avoid the mind game of wondering where you stand.
Provide Links to Your LinkedIn and Other Social Media Profiles (If You Have Them)
Hiring managers like knowing that whomever they hire will represent themselves professionally in and out of work (and online, too!) Providing hiring managers links to your LinkedIn and other appropriate social media profiles helps make your application more personable and proves to the hiring manager that you have nothing to hide.
It's no secret that it's a tough world out there, especially if you're on the job search. It can be astonishing how much the little details can matter. While there is no one-way pass to ensuring your application gets noticed and an opportunity for an interview, we hope these tips help you get there.
Good news - Vibe Credit Union is hiring! To see our open positions and learn more, visit our career opportunities.
